David Walter Makowiec

David Walter Makowiec of Canton passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. David Walter was born on December 18, 1940, to Walter (Wally) and Cynthia Makowiec. David graduated from St. Andrews Catholic High School and then went on to serve in the U.S Navy, following in the footsteps of his father. David served in the Navy for 6 years and was most proud of his time serving his country. After his time in the service, David spent a significant amount of time studying military history and his father’s military background. David had a special interest in World War II history and hearing stories from anyone who served in the military. David met the love of his life, Darlene Gale Greene, through his sister Sandra and they married on June 12, 1965. David was a devoted husband to Darlene and an amazing father to Julie, David and Michael and loving grandfather to Zachary, Noah and Emilia. David graduated from Detroit College of Business before starting his career in business. After graduation he spent most of his business career working for Ford Motor Company, starting in the records department before eventually working his way up to the “10th floor” as the Chief of New Devices and Engineering. He built his successful 30-year career at Ford Motor Company through his dedication and strong work ethic. He was a true “Ford Guy”! Once retired, David enjoyed life devoted to spending quality time with his wife, Darlene, his children, grandchildren and many extended family members and friends at their cottage in Grayling, Michigan. He most enjoyed his time there as well as frequent trips to the casino and watching the Detroit Tigers any chance he had. David was a life-long and die-hard Detroit Tigers fan! David will be remembered for always making everyone laugh with his quick wit, unexpected humor and infectious smile. David handled everything in life with his smile, grace and humor. There was no one who met him along the way that did not remember meeting him. He was truly one of a kind! David was the kind of person who would be there to help anyone who needed it. He took care of his family and left a legacy through his generosity with his children and grandchildren. David also took great pride in supporting many charitable organizations throughout his lifetime. David’s strength, generosity, humor and unwavering presence in the lives of everyone he knew will be deeply missed and forever remembered. David is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene and children, Julie (Brian) Edgar, David (Jacqueline) Makowiec, Michael (Michelle) Makowiec. He was the very proud grandfather of Zachary, Noah and Emilia. David is also survived by his sister, Sandra (Howard) Mclay and sister-in-law, Margaret (John) Wolfe as well as many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Cynthia Makowiec and his brother Lawrence Makowiec. Visitation Tuesday, July 21st 1 to 8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 980 N. Newburgh Road (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill), Westland. Funeral Service Wednesday, July 22nd 11 AM at the funeral home. Entombment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia. Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, P.O. Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950; Lung Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 780990, Philadelphia, PA 19178-0990; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

David Walter Makowiec

December 18, 1940 - July 13, 2026